shade tree crown reduction? root stimulator?

[shad]

Hello, hurricane Ike came through a few months ago and blew down alot of big shade trees around here. (N.E. Texas) I have several shade trees in my yard that made it through the storm but I was wondering what I can do to try to make sure they don`t blow down next time. I thought about putting guy wires on them but that sure would be ugly and I couldn`t think of a good enough ground anchor.
Now I`m thinking of maybe reducing the crown of the tree so maybe the wind can blow through the tree instead of toppling it.
At the same time I thought wouldn`t it be great if I could use some type of fertilizer to increase the root system.
Anyone comments or ideas would be greatly appreciated. 

[Dodgy Loner]

Shad, I think you've struck the right idea with the crown thinning.  "Topping" the tree by cutting off the ends of the limbs is a common and incredibly damaging practice.  Usually, the tree will sprout a lot of new growth after it has been topped, but this is at the expense of the carbohydrate reserves stored in the roots.  Topping will make the tree much more prone to disease and insect infestations and will reduce the vitality and longevity of the tree.  The proper way to reduce a tree's "wind load" is by thinning the crown, which allows more air to blow through the crown and places less stress on the tree.  Thinning is accomplished by removing individually selected limbs back to their point of origin.  When done correctly, thinning will enhance, rather than detract from, the appearance of the tree.  A well-trained arborist is required to do a proper job of thinning.  I repeat, not a tree service, an arborist...most tree services are not run by arborists, and in my experience, most have no clue what they're doing when it comes to pruning a healthy tree.  Keep in mind though, that not every arborist will do a satisfactory job of thinning your trees.  Get references if possible.

I don't think you will have any success fertilizing the tree to stimulate root growth.  You may increase the fine roots, which are responsible for taking up nutrients for the tree, but you will not be able to increase the abundance of the larger roots, which are responsible for holding the tree upright. 

[chevytaHOE5674]

I agree find a good recommended arborist in your area that will thin the crown to reduce wind loading. When done properly it actually makes the tree more visually appealing, and less susceptible to wind damage.